- Crisafulli Government prioritises community concerns following Gold Coast Light Rail review.
- Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 not proceeding in response to overwhelming local community opposition.
- Transport and Main Roads to rollout accelerated enhanced bus services supported with new multi-modal transport planning.
- Review documents being publicly released, delivering on the Crisafulli Government's promise of transparency.
The Crisafulli Government has completed its review of the proposed Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 (GCLR4) project, announcing a strategic shift towards direct bus service enhancements and broader regional transport planning to meet the community's needs.
It follows extensive community consultation with over 5,600 submissions revealing a strong desire for cost-effective, flexible transport options that respect the natural environment and protect key local landmarks like Burleigh Head National Park and Tallebudgera Creek.
Reflecting the Crisafulli Government's commitment to transparency, the documents produced from the independent review are being publicly released, as promised.
In contrast to Labor's pre-determined sham consultation on the proposed project, the review which put all options on the table received overwhelming local community engagement with over 5,600 submissions made and hundreds of locals turning out to the community town hall event. Key findings include:
- Significant concerns over Labor's sham consultation process that focused on a single option with over half of respondents indicating they hadn't been properly consulted.
- Nearly two thirds of respondents to the consultation expressed negative sentiment towards the project.
- Probable further time and cost blowouts, with the project potentially costing up to $9.85 billion, far exceeding Labor's previously reported cost of $2.7 billion and their subsequent blowout cost of $7.6 billion.
- Local residents support improved bus services as a cost-effective and flexible solution.
- The local community wants transport solutions that respect the natural environment and key local landmarks, such as Burleigh Head National Park and Tallebudgera Creek.
Acting on the strong views the local community made clear during the review, the Crisafulli Government will deliver enhancements to bus services while directing the Department of Transport and Main Roads to undertake a multi-modal transport study for the Gold Coast region amid ongoing community consultation.
This study will explore broader regional transport needs, including airport connectivity and alternative routes, ensuring the southern Gold Coast is well-prepared for future growth.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, thanked the Southern Gold Coast community for voicing their views and their extensive engagement with the review process.
"After a sham consultation from the former Labor Government, this independent review revealed that locals want well-connected transport options that integrate into the existing infrastructure without disrupting the unique character of their community," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"Unlike Labor who treated the community with disdain by withholding details on property resumptions and carpark losses, locals were able to have a fully informed say following the release of previously hidden documents.
"The Crisafulli Government made a clear commitment to listen to the Southern Gold Coast local community at the election and today that commitment has been delivered.
"This is about ensuring transport infrastructure projects are delivered in partnership with local communities to protect what they value most in their community and their lifestyle."
Member for Currumbin Laura Gerber said the decision was back in the hands of the community as promised.
"Following a packed town hall and thousands of community submissions, the message is clear, with our proper consultation the community has finally been heard," Ms Gerber said.
Member for Burleigh Hermann Vorster thanked the local community for participating in the review process.
"I'm proud to stand with a community that's passionate, informed, and ready to shape the future of transport on the Gold Coast," Mr Vorster said.
"Their input has been invaluable, and it's front and centre in this report."
For more details on the review findings and next steps, visit www.qld.gov.au/futuretransport.
